Category: Data Backup and Recovery Articles

The Internet is an indispensable communication tool

The Internet has changed the lives of many people. Some use it purely as a research tool, but for most people it has become an indispensable communication tool and as an integral part of their daily lives. The power of the Internet reverberates around us. As the Internet goes mobile and becomes ubiquitous, it is becoming significantly hard to go about our daily lives without access to the Internet.

Businesses, large corporations and small companies alike, have also integrated the Internet in their daily operations. As businesses’ operations have become more complex, online applications for commercial use have evolved to become more sophisticated, and to better able to accommodate the demands of organizations such as data storage, virtualization (like VMware), cloud computing, IP-based communication, data transfers and email.

These days, it is fairly safe to say that the Internet has become an indispensable tool for business processes as well. For most businesses, the Internet has served not only as a tool, but as a platform upon which their business processes are built and performed.

But as more and more vital business information are being stored, exchanged and transferred within the “Information Superhighway”, data security has become a major concern. Cyberterrorism, a virtual crime aimed at not only pirating vital information exchanged on the Internet, but as well as attacking and compromising key data-storage points and IT infrastructure, is a real threat that should not be taken for granted.

Cyber-terrorism – A continuing threat to corporate information security

Companies with huge amounts of key information stored in their computers are a delectable target for cyber-terrorists. The most dangerously sophisticated among the cyber-terrorists has the capacity to disable an entire economic system. That is why small businesses with very limited IT security set in place should take the necessary steps in beefing up their information security before any attack can even partially disable their business. With each passing time, neglecting to impose the necessary IT security measures potentially exposes your entire business to a host of malicious software that could take down your business anytime.

Points of entry

Just as conventional terrorism has points of entry, such as airports with poor security systems, bus terminals and seaports, cyber-terrorists also have their unscrupulous means of indentifying vulnerabilities in IT systems. Without proper security software in place, malicious software could penetrate your business’ local network through email and social networks. Just recently, social networking giants Twitter and Facebook suffered quite a number of cyberspace attacks, causing damage to local computers on some of their members’ ends.

How to practically protect your IT infrastructure

The full responsibility of setting up a strong business IT security system in place rests upon the company’s management. Enforcing a strong corporate stand on the use of social networks in the workplace, for example, is a good step towards winning the battle against cyber-terrorism.

However, this is just part of the game strategy. Responsible leadership calls for the exploring of the services of reliable IT support firms. Calling on the service of qualified IT consulting companies minimizes the risks to your company’s data, network and users by recommending strategies that are unique to your company’s requirements.

Your company should also set strict policies that restrict the use of external data storage devices with your company’s computers, such as flash drives, mp3 players, mobile phones, HDD devices and other gadgets that could potentially transfer dangerous files to your company’s network. Good, lockable USB blockers are now out in the market to cover USB terminals, thereby protecting a computer when being left unattended for extended periods.

Taking care of information security is a primary concern, and companies should not take any chances. As technologies become more sophisticated, companies should readily adapt before their data can be exposed to any potentially harmful software. For more information on IT security call All Covered at 866-446-1133.

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As a small business owner, your business depends on proprietary data such as client and vendor contact lists, accounting data, tax records, and other important documents that you create and store on your computer.  Chances are that you back up that data on tape drives or a server—but what do you do with those tapes or that server once you have made the backups?   Even if you are able to transport your backups to another location on a nightly basis, you data may still be at risk.  Worst-case scenario is that regional natural disaster strikes, your office (where the original data is stored) and your offsite backup storage location suffer extreme damage and all of your data is lost.

Avoid this problem backing up your data with an online server backup solution.  Numerous companies provide online backup solutions that will meet the needs of most small businesses.  Two of the most reputable online backup solution providers are Iron Mountain Digital and Vault Logix.  Before you select a provider, there are several key points to consider when you evaluate online backup providers.

Things to consider when you evaluate companies:

• Can the company backup the type of data your small business needs to protect? Some backup companies can only store files such as word documents and spreadsheets.
• How long has the company been doing online backups? Experts recommend that a provider have at least five (5) years experience providing online backups and that its clients are happy with the level of service provided.
• How many clients does the provider have? Experts suggest that the provider should have least 500 or more current clients—this ensures that they are familiar with restoring data on a frequent basis.
• Is the data center SAS 70 Type II certified? SAS 70 is a specialized certification that is awarded to data centers only when specific criteria are met.  Choosing a provider with this certification ensures that your online backups are not being made in some guy’s basement next to his second refrigerator.
• What kind of support do they provide? Consider how you want to communicate with the company—some providers will assign representatives that are available 24 hours a day while others are only self-service by email.
• How is data restored? If you need data restoration, how will you get the data?  Some companies will ship the items to you on storage media while others will give it to you through download.
• Can they provide references? Do not choose a backup solution that does not support companies with similar backup needs. Get references, contact them, and talk to them.  If the clients aren’t happy, choose another provider.

Because online backups are your last line of protection for your data, choosing an online backup solution provider is an important decision.  For more information about online backup solutions or for guidance in choosing the best solution for your needs, please call All Covered at 866-446-1133.

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Sure, many small business owners may have the smarts when it comes to computers and software. The problem is, they don’t often have the time to keep up with the latest technology trends while running their business. In addition, they also don’t have the time to fix all the technical problems that can arise.
Since not all small business owners are adept at maintaining best technology practices, they frequently make certain tech mistakes. One of those biggest mistakes is having insufficient technical support.

The Cost-Efficiency Problem

A lot of small businesses go without technical support. They may rely on an employee whose love for computer games makes him the office’s so-called ‘computer expert.’ Other companies may depend on an employee’s friend or relative who ‘knows a lot about computers’ to provide technology advice or assistance when critical systems fail or slow down.
Aside from acquaintances, some turn to their hardware manufacturer’s tech support line for help. However, users often end up learning that the ’solution’ for many problems involves performing a reinstallation of drivers and related software, which may result in the loss of all business data. Some people even rely simply on an electronic store’s service arm, and still others locate freelancers for technical support.

Needless to say, these support methods are not cost-efficient, nor are they effective information technology investment, troubleshooting, or administration options. Small businesses owners need to find knowledgeable, trusted technology partners who are proficient with current technologies and willing to help them learn and understand their industry’s operations requirements.

Benefits of a Strong Tech Support Team

The benefits of finding a strong technical support team cannot be overemphasized. A qualified technology expert is familiar with a small business’ needs. Thus, it can provide appropriate services, and proper solutions can be recommended and deployed. The results are often more cost-effective and more efficient, which translate to more profitable operations for the small business owner.

With the right technology partner, the issues of hardware or software problems, creating specialized software or a custom database, and backing up critical information can be solved. The latter is crucial, as companies that fail to properly secure client and customer data often may find themselves suffering from bad press, lost sales, and forfeited customer trust.
Since data backups are so critical to a company, small businesses should work with proficient IT consultants or technology partners to ensure the right data is being backed up, and that it’s being backed up as frequently as required. A good tech support team can work with small businesses to:

• Determine what data, files, and information should be backed up;
• How often to create the data sets;
• Where to locate the backups, and;
• How often to test the sets’ integrity.

Finding a Technology Partner

Finding reputable IT service firms that can efficiently and effectively manage technology needs can often be a daunting task. You may find yourself feeling overwhelmed when faced with having to hire such a support service company. There are many small IT firms out there, but how do you know which IT support team you can trust? It would be best to ask around and research online to find good candidates. Ask some peers or colleagues or ask the vendor of your specialty software for referrals.

Make sure that the IT firm has a dedicated team to support all your needs. Having a technical support team that can easily come to your business is sometimes the best option. If your tech support is close by, they can provide support through remote terminals, phone calls and emails as well as onsite support, ensuring that your business runs smoothly. For more information about technical suppport,  data backup or you just need general help with IT support contact All Covered or call 866-446-1133.

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One of the challenging tasks for any company is making backups for their files, particularly their older archives and the hard copies they possess.

Backing up is never fun. It is part and parcel of the notion of being prepared. It is like the idea of wearing a seatbelt when you drive, or wearing helmets when skateboarding. You can always say “Accidents are never going to happen,” but it may already be too late when the time comes. The next time a massive power blackout or a viral attack strikes the company, nobody wants to end up realizing that they were not prepared.

Such a scenario is not altogether uncommon. Statistics revealed that lost data amounts also to lost revenues – businesses in the United States alone lose close to some $12 billion a year due to data loss. 78% of all data loss comes from hardware or system failure, with another 7% from software corruption. 40% of all computer users have been infected with a virus, and another 75% have not updated anti-virus software.

What about backing up? Well, studies have also revealed that more than half of all computer users at work do not personally back up their data at least once a month. This underscores the even greater need for assistance in ensuring that data stored in computers around the office is kept safe and secure.

There are some key steps that can always be taken in order to keep data safe and sound. These steps are not altogether new – they begin with common sense guidelines to live by.

1. What’s in the office must stay in the office. What’s at home is for the home.
We know the type – they love to put a CD of music files (not an audio CD, mind you) in their computers to listen while they work. Or they like to plug their portable music players to their computers, either to charge them or to update libraries. This is bad, and in careless hands, very risky.

2. Keep a logbook of what you download.
See if this fits your profile: You probably like certain applications more than most. You probably like to keep your Instant Messenger programs updated. You probably aren’t a big fan of a computer’s built-in web browser. You like trying out Flash games during your five minute breaks.

If you’re like that, take some caution. Try starting a logbook of all the things that everyone in the office downloads. They can be anything from the latest music player to the upgrades for your operating system, it doesn’t matter. Policing inbound downloads help keep entire networks and more safe.

3. Portable hard drives must be scanned before use.
The portable hard drive key has replaced the diskette as the offline virus vector of the world. All the same, the rules have not changed: these storage devices – along with others like external hard drives – must be scanned and disinfected before any use.

4. Keep anti-virus software up-to-date. All day, everyday.
As mentioned earlier, only so much can be done to keep viruses at bay should a computer get infected. This is made worse when you consider that everyday, programmers are releasing new strains of programming designed to fight malignant computer code. Keeping your anti-virus programs current can help in this greatly

5. Proper hardware maintenance of hardware is a big help.
Hardware failure is hard to predict. As a general rule, keep computers clean, inside and out. Computers that are poorly kept can overheat and break down. Worse, they can be home to pests, and nobody wants creepy bugs causing, well, bugs.

6. Count your terabyte-sized blessings.
It may seem like overkill, but more space means less buying you’ll need to do later. Back files into a large hard drive, and properly compartmentalize your data according to user, date, and function.

7. Redundancy is good
Make sure to make backups of your backups. Standard practice is always to have a redundancy plan in place in case something happens to your backed up storage drives or disks.

8. Keep backups in multiple locations
It’s always good practice to have backed up drives or disks at an offsite location. In case of natural disaster or fire your data and backups can be lost in an instant, so make sure you have a plan to keep backups at someones home, other office or co-lo.

9. It still pays to get expert help.
Because they know what they’re doing in case nobody does. They’ll be able to tell you what to buy, how to transfer files, and how to protect it from harm. When unsure, why not trust someone who is?

If you need more help with a good back up and security plan or you need broader help with an IT strategy please call us at 866-446-1133 or visit us at All Covered.

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Another small business server operating system?

Microsoft SBS 2008 is the newest server operating system available for small businesses. Microsoft has updated its OS to offer new features to small businesses that will reduce operating costs and improve productivity.

But what about Microsoft Windows Server?

Chances are that your small business has been using a Windows Server OS platform. While the traditional server OS could easily meet your small business’s needs, it might be costing your business more time and money than you need to spend on hardware and IT support. The good news is that SBS 2008 will provide the same features you count on but will save your business time and money.

The SBS 2008 OS is built on top of the Windows Server 2008 OS platform. While Windows Server 2008 requires many servers, SBS 2008 only needs one server. In a larger business environment, multiple servers are ideal and often needed for redundancy; however, smaller businesses don’t necessarily need that level of hardware protection. Instead, small businesses can take advantage of a Windows Server OS environment by using the more affordable SBS 2008.

How is SBS 2008 different?

Unlike SBS 2003, SBS 2008 allows multiple servers to operate on the same network. The new OS is expandable, allowing your small business to start with a single server but giving you the flexibility to add additional servers as your business grows. SBS 2008 offers two versions to meet the different needs of small businesses:

• Small Business Server- is the ideal OS for smaller businesses that support between 5 and 75 users. This version will affordably give you all the basic tools to you need to run your business.
• Essential Business Server- is ideal for larger companies that support between 25 and 75 users. With Essential Business Server, you will get everything you need to run your business including additional security features, enhanced remote access options, and advanced web features.

Does SBS 2008 have any new features?

Microsoft has improved its SBS OS program to be more user-friendly. New features include:

• Microsoft Exchange 2007- is a messaging program that offers email, calendars, task lists and address books.
• SharePoint Services 3.0- is a collaboration program that allows users to share documents, coordinate calendars, manage group tasks, and participate in discussions regardless of location.
• Microsoft Forefront Security- is a security program that scans all incoming emails for spam and viruses.
• Internet Security and Acceleration Server (ISA) – is a software-based firewall that protects your network from internet attacks and provides remote access to offsite users.

Choose the right Microsoft Server solution for your business.

Talk to the experts about which server solution will best suit your small business’s needs. Whether it’s an upgrade to a newer version of your current OS platform, or a change to a new OS, All Covered can help your small business transition smoothly. Contact All Covered today for a free network consultation and to learn more about SBS 2008.

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